Breast Calcifications

Breast calcifications are small deposits of calcium that can appear in the breast tissue. They are usually detected on a mammogram, which is an X-ray examination of the breast.

Types of Breast Calcifications

• Benign calcifications: These are non-cancerous and are often caused by changes in the breast tissue, such as fibrocystic changes or cysts. They can also be caused by previous injuries or surgeries.
• Malignant calcifications: These are cancerous and can be a sign of breast cancer. They are often irregularly shaped and can appear in clusters or lines.

Causes of Breast Calcifications

Breast calcifications can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Fibrocystic changes: These are non-cancerous changes in the breast tissue that can cause lumps, cysts, and calcifications.
• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can form in the breast tissue and can become calcified over time.
• Previous injuries or surgeries: Trauma to the breast tissue can cause calcifications to form during the healing process.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as mastitis, can cause calcifications to form in the breast tissue.
• Breast cancer: Calcifications can be a sign of breast cancer, particularly if they are irregularly shaped or appear in clusters or lines.

Symptoms of Breast Calcifications

Most women with breast calcifications do not experience any symptoms. However, some women may notice:

• A lump or thickening in the breast tissue
• Pain or tenderness in the breast
• Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple

Diagnosis of Breast Calcifications

Breast calcifications are usually detected on a mammogram. If calcifications are detected, additional imaging tests may be ordered to determine whether they are benign or malignant. These tests can include:

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue.
• Breast biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment of Breast Calcifications

The treatment of breast calcifications depends on whether they are benign or malignant. If the calcifications are benign, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the calcifications are malignant, treatment options can include:

• Surgery: To remove the cancerous tissue and any affected lymph nodes.
• Radiation therapy: To kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.